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Planning Board narrows proposed floodplain standard, adds septic recertification timeline
Summary
The board agreed to lower the required elevation for buildings in flood zones from two feet to one foot above base flood elevation and to allow 180 days (plus a possible 180-day extension) for septic recertification after flood events; staff will return a revised ordinance for review.
The Moultonborough Planning Board on April 8 reached consensus on targeted revisions to a draft floodplain management ordinance intended to align the town with the 2025 state model while addressing local conditions. Town Planner Charles Wise summarized staff analysis that found the 2013 local ordinance did not require retention and that the 2025 state model adds requirements without removing existing protections.
Board members agreed the ordinance should require buildings be elevated one foot above base flood elevation rather than the two feet originally proposed. Member Norman Larson explained that higher elevations in moving-water areas can create compensatory flow issues that harm wetlands and that a full two-foot requirement is a substantial increase for lake-inundation scenarios. The board noted that private insurers may require more elevation for coverage but decided not to mandate a higher standard for the town ordinance.
On septic systems, the draft will permit 180 days after a flood event for property owners to submit septic recertification reports, with an additional 180-day extension available if the owner notifies the Land Use Department. The code enforcement officer, who serves as floodplain administrator, would grant extensions to reflect limited availability of licensed evaluators in the aftermath of regional flooding.
Cristina Ashjian, Heritage Commission chair, said the board's work follows recent local experience: the 2023 Shannon Pond dam failure flooded the lower valley and demonstrated how a single watershed event can affect many properties at once. Planner Wise said he will prepare a revised ordinance for the board and return it in early October for final review before scheduling public hearings in advance of town meeting consideration.
Next steps: staff will incorporate the agreed changes, circulate a revised draft to the board, and set a public-review schedule ahead of the formal hearing process.
